After the lesson on storytelling, I realized it was an abstract concept for young children to understand. It takes years of practice to execute storytelling well with expression, tone and confidence.
My students, who are four years old, seem to do okay practicing this concept. After talking with some other teachers, they helped me realize that I should use known books with the children. This would support their ability to tell a story with confidence. Each session proved my original concerns that the children would not be able to grasp this concept because of their maturity. For mature students, they seem to run with the concept with movement and expression.
Using wordless picture books seem to force the children to use their own words. Some of the children shared they had fun doing this work, others shared they felt frustrated. The frustration stemmed not being able to tell the story the right way, partners not listening, friends talking while others were storytelling. I believe I have to work harder on giving clearer directions and setting more guidelines expectations on behavior.
I would repeat this lesson again but I would introduce it with more mature students that are ready to take on the challenge to story tell.
My students, who are four years old, seem to do okay practicing this concept. After talking with some other teachers, they helped me realize that I should use known books with the children. This would support their ability to tell a story with confidence. Each session proved my original concerns that the children would not be able to grasp this concept because of their maturity. For mature students, they seem to run with the concept with movement and expression.
Using wordless picture books seem to force the children to use their own words. Some of the children shared they had fun doing this work, others shared they felt frustrated. The frustration stemmed not being able to tell the story the right way, partners not listening, friends talking while others were storytelling. I believe I have to work harder on giving clearer directions and setting more guidelines expectations on behavior.
I would repeat this lesson again but I would introduce it with more mature students that are ready to take on the challenge to story tell.